GR Corolla-Powered Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept Is the Hot Hatch of Our Dreams
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept may technically be a crossover, but its soul is that of a hot hatch from the glory days.
As many domestic Lexus fans may not be aware, the LBX is a new, small, European-style crossover that looks quite nice, yet isn’t exactly designed for performance purposes. In fact, the LBX is essentially just a luxurious version of the Toyota Yaris Cross, a tiny machine powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter inline-three-cylinder engine making a mere 136 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque, which propels it from 0-62 mph in a leisurely 9.2 seconds. However, for the 2024 Tokyo Motor Show, the luxury brand brought out something far more special – the Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept.
The “Morizo” part of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept name refers to the nickname of Toyota chairman and noted car guy Akio Toyoda, and as such, one would expect it to offer more in terms of performance than the regular model – and you’d be absolutely correct. Here, we have what is basically the Lexus version of the beloved GR Yaris, sporting the same powerplant as that model and the GR Corolla, which we can actually buy in the states.
That powerplant is the G16E-GTS turbocharged 1.6-liter I-3, which in this guise generates an impressive 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, but it isn’t mated to a six-speed manual like its GR counterparts – rather, the special LBX packs a brand new eight-speed automatic, which is fitting for its more luxurious sporting intentions. Regardless, it drives all four wheels, making for one heck of a fun experience, but that’s not the only thing that makes this LBX more special than most.
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept is also fitted with unique 19-inch wheels and 235/45R19 tires, a specially-tuned suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a double wishbone setup in the rear, and four-wheel disc brakes with 18-inch ventilated discs up front and 16-inchers in the rear. The Sonic Chrome and Black body has also been treated to unique bodywork, while the interior is fitted with sport seats and yellow seat belts – all of which gives it a far more sporting look than its city-dwelling, utilitarian-focused counterpart.
Lexus hasn’t yet announced if the LBX Morizo RR Concept will in fact come to fruition, though it’s seemingly unlikely that it would come to the U.S. if it did, given the fact that the regular LBX isn’t sold here. However, we can always dream, and as we saw with the fervor surrounding the GR Yaris, with enough persuasion from enthusiasts, Toyota might just oblige us in some manner – so why not try?
Photos: Lexus
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